(PG) Josh Hutcherson, Anna Sophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel

"Close your eyes, but keep your mind wide open."

Imagination can lead us into worlds far beyond our own experience.

Bridge to Terabithia is an excellent film for families about the power of imagination to transform life.

The film is based on a book written by former missionary Katherine Paterson (also the daughter of missionaries) based on an experience in the life of her son. Her son is one of the screenwriters and producers of the film.

The film tells the story of Jesse Aarons (Josh Hutcherson), whose dream is to be the fastest boy in fifth grade. When school starts and the big race comes, he gets out into the lead, only to be passed by a new girl in school, Leslie Burke (Anna Sophia Robb). It turns out they are neighbours, and in time develop a friendship.

After school they escape to the nearby forest and discover a rope swing that crosses a creek, and they establish an imaginary land - Terabithia.

They do this to escape their everyday lives. Both Jesse and Leslie are outsiders. Jesse comes from a poor family, the only son with four sisters. Jesse is also an artist. His passion is drawing, and he has a talent for it. Jesse's parents work hard to keep food on the table and leave little time to spend time with their children.

Leslie's parents have plenty of money, but they too are often distant, as they are both writers and leave Leslie to fend for herself.

Leslie loves to create imaginary worlds, a habit developed through reading. The family has no TV - a fact that makes her a laughingstock in school.

She opens Jesse's inner eye to the worlds that can be discovered in our imagination.

In time he becomes just as able to see the "reality" of Terabithia as Leslie has always been able to see it. And when tragedy strikes, Jesse can move on in his life because of the strength he has found during his time spent in Terabithia.

One very important thing about imagination is that it is subjective, so to present a film which is about the power of imagination is a difficult thing. In this regard, the film makers have toned down the special effects somewhat, so we are given tantalising glimpses of the children's imaginary world, leaving the viewer space to use their own imaginations.

It would be great if the film gave viewers, especially children who will see the film, the opportunity to take the time to read the book, because in reading the book, we are able to see our own version of Terabithia and exercise our own imaginations in ways that film, by its visual nature, does not allow.

Imagination needs to be a part of anyone's life.

Often it brings light into darkness and joy into sorrow. Just as imagination fuels our dreams and hopes, it also is important for us as we seek God, who is not seen with the eye. Keep your mind wide open.

Adrian Drayton